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COUNTDOWN TO TV ACTION is a splendid volume, published by BEAR ALLEY BOOKS (in 2014), and is sure to delight all fans of this iconic comic from the early '70s. The amount of research author STEVE HOLLAND puts into his work is astonishing, and this tome is packed with facts and figures. In fact, perhaps it has far too many facts and figures, as I felt disinclined to read all the lists contained in the back of the book. However, it's good to know it's all there and that if I ever need to know who drew a strip and what colour of trousers he was wearing on the day he drew it, I know where to find that info.
I jest of course, but sometimes it felt that some aspects the book were included more to pad out the contents to an acceptable length than because they really needed to be there. However, that's the minor quibble of a pedant, so don't let it put you off buying this excellent softcover edition and reliving the heady days of your youth if you read this comic during its 132 issue run. It would've been nice if at least some of the illustrations were in colour, but even that absent aspect doesn't really detract too much from what a worthy addition to your bookshelf this tome would be.
You can order copies here, and with Christmas fast-approaching, now might be the time to grab a copy - either for yourself, or for a friend or relative who remembers Countdown/TV Action with fond affection.
Thanks for the reminder. I dimly recall this one coming to my attention a while back (was there a hardcover volume originally?, or am I dreaming all this?) and being filed away in the 'must check that out' section of my brain. This was one of the few UK publications of its type that made its way to Australia in the 70s (never saw TV Century 21, Fantastic or the like) and I have very fond memories of coming home at the end of the week to see the new issue waiting for me on the kitchen table, purchased by my Mum. Jeez I really wish I'd kept more than the handful of actual copies that I presently have. Having the whole run in digital form ain't quite the same, as has been commented on your blog before.
ReplyDeleteY'know, I had a notion that there's been a hardback volume, but I couldn't say with certainty one way or another, PC. I've been meaning to buy the book since it was first published, but you know how it is - there's always something else requiring one's money. Finally managed to buy a copy in the end though. The book is certainly worth having, my minor 'observations' aside. Go on, treat yourself for Christmas.
ReplyDeleteChecked out the price and just the item plus shipping within the UK comes out at $40 Australian, I shudder to think what the shipping to Oz would be. Might have to pass on this one. And this may have been the reason I did not follow through when it first came to my attention. Not the first item to be priced out of contention by the exchange rate and the tyranny of distance (or should that be the tyranny of shipping!) It is actually more economical for me to have stuff sent from Europe than the UK these days. Go figure.
ReplyDeleteThat's a shame, PC, 'cos I think you'd enjoy this book. However, I know what you mean about shipping prices. I see stuff in America going for a few quid, but the cost of posting it can be anything from £20 up to £50 (and more). To be frank, I suspect that some sellers are at it most of the time, and trying to make their profit from p&p. See if your local library would order a copy - that way, you'd at least get to read it.
ReplyDeleteCheers for the heads-up on this one, copy ordered.
ReplyDeleteGlad to have been of service, PG.
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